In July 2024, a range of art collectors, historians, community members, and even political leaders attended Vernon T. Bateman’s invitation-only art opening. In this video, you can catch a sliver of a glimpse of the breadth and depth of his works, intellect, community, and more. You can hear Vernon discuss three of the more than 20 pieces exhibited that night, and sense the kindness, humility, and determination that characterize Vernon and his works. The full transcript is below.
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Transcript
[Applause]
Host: I went to Vernon and I said, “Man I didn’t know you had this many friends! I wish I had friends like you.” Now, if you’re a friend of his, you’re a friend of ours. He’s… he’s an awesome guy, and is very talented, and we are very proud to host some of his artwork here.
[Applause]
[Light Jazz Music Plays]
Vernon: This is called, “Cookies and milk.” You see the, like, ball and chain on his ankle. That’s like me striving to even have affection, or love, or anything. I did the chain with Popsicle sticks inside prison. It took me three and a half years to make.“
Audience member: “Wow…”
[Applause]
[Music]
Vernon: Now, of course we know this as “The last supper,” but I changed the name to “Until the lion learn how to read and write.” The story will always be told from the hunter’s perspective, meaning a lot of people never had a chance to tell their stories. You only hear from the hunter.
So, this is social injustice from right to left: You got Emmitt Till, Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, George Floyd, Aiyana Stanley-Jones, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice. George Floyd, Tamir Rice. And, under the table, that’s like everything our people have to go through to get a seat at the table.
[Music]
[Applause]
Vernon: This is another painting called “Until it hit home.” It’s like, two babies inside of a crib, and a bullet came through and that’s what be landing in our babies hands these days—is a bullet. So, it’s ripped up head off, the arm off, stuff like that. So, it’s red, white, and blue walls to show it happens in our American homes.
Aubrey Whiteman: So, Vernon is a very outspoken advocate for our youth against gun violence, miseducation and general, violence against them from the system, from the peers, from society. He has chosen to use this day, which is to celebrate him and his art and his advocacy, to uplift others—which if you know Vernon, is just about the most Vernon thing he could do. So, I’m going to welcome Vernon up to the podium. He and Derek are going to take turns passing out these awards, some to some friends and family and some to organizations.
Vernon: “Uh, this award is to “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” Tashima Jones isn’t here, but her brother is here. Come on up.”
[Applause]
[Music]